UP: Devotees take holy dip in Ganga on Sharad Purnima in Prayagraj and Varanasi

Varanasi/Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 17 : A large number of devotees took a holy dip in the river Ganga in Prayagraj and Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on the occasion of Sharad Purnima on Wednesday.
People arrived at the ghats early in the morning to participate in the sacred ritual.
One of the devotees said, "This is the Sangam area, and I believe it is the purest place on earth. So the significance of this place is immense, and bathing in the Ganga here is deeply spiritual."
"Lakhs of devotees come here to bathe in the Ganga. It is believed that King Bali performed a yagna on this holy land," he added.
A priest at the ghat in Prayagraj mentioned, "People travel from distant places, bathe in the Ganga, and perform 'Puja and Aarti' in the evening."
"Many devotees also donate on this day of great importance," the priest added.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the full moon of the month of Ashvin (October-November) is celebrated as Sharad Purnima, a harvest festival.
On this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity in Hindu mythology, is worshipped, especially by the Bengali community.
As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that nectar descends from the sky on the night of Sharad Purnima. Those who take a holy bath in the Ganga and observe a fast on this day are said to attain prosperity in life.